discovering music with kids

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Bits and Pieces

I haven’t had much time to post here recently; my two kids (with now a third on the way) are in charge of my schedule and they are hard taskmasters. We’re still making lots of fun noise, though. Dorian has started picking up and strumming his guitar whenever I play. He also bursts into improvised songs at random moments, like he’s living in the world’s most banal musical – “I am going to the bathroom”, “It’s breakfast time, it’s breakfast time!”, and others even Andrew Lloyd Webber would think twice about. Lydia is learning ”Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’, but calls it ‘Up Above’ and always starts on there, on the highest note of the tune. I’m not sure why she does this, but it certainly suits her personality.

To commemorate Dorian’s school completing its inaugural year (he graduated kindergarten) another parent and I put together this video of his classroom. While it’s not specifically about kids making music, it does give a glimpse inside a Montessori-style classroom, where kids are encouraged to be curious and independent learners, working at their own pace. It is an approach I think works for music education too. Dorian picking up his guitar and wanting to play with me is far more meaningful than me telling him to do so.

Finally, if you’re in the area, I’ll be leading music classes at the East Bay’s premiere pre-school hangout, Play Cafe, on July 31st and August 28th. Classes start at 3:15 and are free with admission. Instruments will be available or bring your own and join the band!